Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now
Date:	10/26/2014 10:18:45 PM (updated 10/26/2014 10:19:23 PM)

Just horse traded for a Tige' 2001 tower ski boat.

Upholstery completely trashed and motor block cracked and full of water.

Your prayers welcome.

You can pray at the boat with me.

Triage this week.

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now
Date:	10/27/2014 9:07:13 AM

What engine is in it?

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now
Date:	10/27/2014 9:24:32 AM (updated 10/27/2014 9:24:58 AM)

All I know is a 300+ HP V8 merc.

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now
Date:	10/27/2014 2:30:17 PM

If it is an LT1 I have one.  Just sayin

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now
Date:	10/29/2014 8:22:33 AM (updated 10/29/2014 8:23:46 AM)

Where do you look for what to ID the engine?

I need two 14" wheels and tires............ 5 on 4.5.

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now
Date:	10/29/2014 9:12:42 AM

Call me today, I will tell you how to find out.

Steve

334-358-2838

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat
Date:	11/4/2014 5:57:30 PM

OK Steve it is a Vortec V8....has a distributor.

Can I test run this engine with no cooling water and some ok oil in the crankcase?

I know you will burn up an impeller in an I/O boat but what about this velvet drive type of boat?

I just want to idle quick and shut down before I open up the motor to look for block cracks.

If I remove the engine intake manifold and apply water to the sea intake, will this simulate operating water jacket pressure?

How do you apply water to the sea intake shark fins?

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat
Date:	11/5/2014 1:55:08 PM (updated 11/5/2014 1:59:19 PM)

Found the 50a breaker bad.  Replaced.

Starter will not engage when turn the key.  Relay coil ok.  Coil ground circuit not completed. Getting switched + on start.

Yes , the safety switch kicks in the gauges when clipped in.

Boat starts and runs when starter relay jumped.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat
Date:	11/5/2014 4:04:48 PM

Problem was safety switch bad on throttle/gear shifter.

Motor started  ran 10 sec then quit.  Sounded like fuel.

Emptied fuel filter, small amount water  gas not so bad.

Filled w/ gas  replaced   motor ran 15 sec then sea water pump locked up on serpentine.

Removed serpentine and motor ran ok for 25 sec.

Next is to tear into motor after finding out how to pressurize block.

Found small sea intake below.  How do you hook up seawater on shore?

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat
Date:	11/5/2014 11:19:28 PM

GOOGLE IT......

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat
Date:	11/6/2014 9:01:15 AM

Now that the pump is locked up, you gonna have to use a hose pipe on the output side of the pump.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat
Date:	11/6/2014 9:15:20 PM

Maybe the pump locks up when hot.  Wonder if it will be ok when cool and watered.

I just took off the serpentine and ran the engine 30 seconds from the fuel poured into the filter.

Will try and turn the pulley, betcha it turns much easier cold.........

Just bought a fake a lake, but wonder if I can pressurize the block that way with the intake off of the motor?

Might still have to get a hose connected to the sea pump effluent hose.

Name:	HP HQ -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat
Date:	11/7/2014 8:28:01 AM

You can't pressurize the block with the intake off unless you make block off plates for the heads where the water transfers fromthe head to the intake, there are 4 ports. But honestly, who cares. Remove the intake and you with see the block or intake busted wide open. If not there then probably in the head or head gasket. 

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/10/2014 10:55:46 PM

Yep who cares is right.  Two cracks an inch or so below and running to the head on each side of the block.

Took off manifold and pressure washed inside of engine.  What a mess.

Mixed up marinetex and applied epoxy patch...........it's cooking right now.

Will zip up the engine and put in some of that expensive black pre - owned $1.25 a gallon oil I got at S&S.

Will use same intake gaskets, splurged on new oil filters.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/13/2014 2:02:18 PM

Zipped up the engine, added old oil & ran it with two plugs removed to reduce chance of hydraulic damage.

Seems ok, installed serpentine and hooked up water to bottom of boat.

Engine runing ok, water coming out of exhausts.

Now need to change oil to see if water still mixing into crankcase.

My electric oil changer is junk, now inventing an oil changer from a medical vacuum pump and a plastic nail pail.

If you hook up a garden hose to the dipstick and apply a vacuum, I'm assuming you will evacuate the crankcase liquids?

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/13/2014 7:49:50 PM (updated 11/13/2014 7:51:02 PM)

Shortbus, yu need to stop.  You wanna fix this boat properly, or just just for entertainment????    I understand if what you are doing if it is for using the boat for yourself.  But I refuse to agree with your methods pertaining to your repairs.  That would put me out of business.  At $95.00 per hour, you would have a $12,000.00 engine by now.  Just sayin'.

Respectfully, of course. 

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/14/2014 11:17:51 AM (updated 11/14/2014 11:29:30 AM)

Cat I agree that an upstanding individual like yourself could not afford to give a warrantee on a pile of

epoxy and chewing gum such as I have built.  No offense taken, I agree with you.  Its a $1600 motor now.

The gamble is  "can I rig this engine for equal or less time than dropping in a $500 motor I have available if

this patch job turns out bad."   More fun than Vegas.

Just about ready to go down and check my new oil extractor cobbled together with a 2 gallon nail bin and a

medical vacuum pump.  Maybe it will work.  Then I can extract a crankcase of water that slept overnight

in 20 degree weather with a light bulb close.  

Like I said earlier, prayers may just get this project over the hump.      (a silent moment for Fishy)

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/14/2014 3:56:57 PM

Looks like a punt.  Still taking on water into the oil from another crack.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/14/2014 7:17:24 PM

Fear not, my prayers are with you. If you check, you may find a government grant which will help you financially with the epoxy repairs.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/15/2014 8:34:21 AM

If it floats, load it up with beer and music then throw it in the water and invite friends over.  You can sit on a milk crate at the steering wheel and make vroom, vroom sounds and enjoy some cold beverages...

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/15/2014 8:47:18 AM

Well, this thread is by far the most entertaining ever on "Boat Maintenance".  Keep us posted.......

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/15/2014 7:19:33 PM

Shortbus,

This is Mrs. Sumrlvr.  Stop trying to get everything for free and do your own research...and work!  Get off your can and fix the boat properly for sale or let's use it for a float -n- drink or float - n- target.  Just saying...  Why the heck did you use the "used" oil????

Name:	HP HQ -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/15/2014 11:07:57 PM

Best I can figure,  he's trying to prove a point of some sorts.  In a very unorthodox manner. 

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/16/2014 10:26:47 AM (updated 11/16/2014 10:39:52 AM)

Latest thoughts:

Will check with the gubment on boat repair stamps.  Good idea Fishy.

If the motor has to come out now, why not flip it and check its bottom?

Maybe some cracks down there.    (Summer Lover .....  time to respond)

Or more likely a head or head gasket?  Anyone out there that has taken more than two

frozen motors apart?

Name:	HP HQ -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/16/2014 1:01:27 PM

I've literally taken apart hundreds,  probably over 50 4.3s

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/16/2014 1:14:41 PM (updated 11/16/2014 1:23:25 PM)

So where are the common freeze points?

In the water jacket mid push rod  - found.

Have not removed heads or oilpan or exhaust.

V8 intake manifold looked ok  (unlike my 4.3).

Please help the Shortbus...........he ain't real smart.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/16/2014 4:19:13 PM

"Please help the Shortbus...........he ain't real smart."  Hey buddy....tell us something new.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/16/2014 10:11:21 PM

Sounds like you are getting ready to name that boat "Kim K".... If you turn it over and do not see a crack, what would be your next move?

Name:	HP HQ -	Reply
Subject:	dun dunnit now Cat n Jeff
Date:	11/17/2014 8:09:23 AM

I've never to date seen a Gm motor freeze and crack a cylinder head, they always crack externally around the freeze plugs,  internally in the lifter valley, and they will split across the deck on rare occasions. The best thing to do is yank the heads and have a look. I'm not saying that it may not be a head or head gasket,  but haven't seen that one yet due to freezing. 

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	possible proof ignorance is bliss (w/o a democrat)
Date:	11/20/2014 1:31:38 PM

Decided to change out oil again. Used my new handy dandy fluid sucker made from a propane bottle.

Put in 3-4 qts dirty (black) oil and a qt of diesel

Ran motor, looks like the oil is staying clear!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Guess I'll just change the oil again twice.

Maybe get radical and change the filter.

Questions:   Is the temp gauge supposed to swing wildly with the thermostat opening and closing?

What fluid goes in the velvet drive?

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	ignorance may be bliss but not in a boat
Date:	11/20/2014 2:54:03 PM

From ignorance to progressive

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	ignorance may be bliss but not in a boat
Date:	11/20/2014 4:04:12 PM

Velvet question:  Just writing my thoughts, not my needs.

I looked up the velvet homeboy and changed/replaced out 2 quarts.

Changed motor oil filter and put in new oil.   Ran engine, looks ok.

Maybe I was too dum to know I fixed the boat?  Woo hoo..............................bliss!

I'm thinking put the boat in the water?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!!?

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	ignorance may be bliss but not in a boat
Date:	11/20/2014 6:23:37 PM

Put     a      boat      in       the      water....   Dang, I think you done figrd out what them thangs was made fer.  Just remember - when you launch - leave the trailer attached to the truck, not the boat.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	ignorance may be bliss but not in a boat
Date:	11/20/2014 6:33:43 PM

Billary said to remind you before you launch to check that the plug is IN. Don't get confused....sign up for TOW BOAT US rather than Obamacare. Have fun.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	SHAZZAM
Date:	11/21/2014 6:18:12 PM

Put boat in water, running great.  Handles like an F1 car.

TAPS system working (variable waves).

Oil is clear, patches holding.

Prop shaft stuffing needs attention....a bit nervous about leaving in water as is.

Tach not working, temp gauge works in water but not on shore with fake a lake.

Dual speedometers, one disconnected for some reason.

Anyone out there an expert or want to help with the gelcoat?

Looks like 400 sandpaper up to mirror shine is the ambition.

Also recommendations on all new carpet and vinyl.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	SHAZZAM
Date:	11/21/2014 6:35:16 PM

Uh, handles like an F1 car????   I would bet the car would sink fairly quickly.  Even the rain tires would lose traction in no time.  Have you tried compound?  I would think try 800 or 1000 grit first if you go with paper, you can always go more coarse.  If you want it done right, you could take it to Heather at Spookeay Marine http://www.spookeaymarine.com/ . 

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	SHAZZAM
Date:	11/21/2014 8:32:50 PM

Doin good man. What you paying/hour for sanders????? 

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	SHAZZAM
Date:	11/21/2014 11:37:59 PM

Democrats think all should be free. 

So free lunch and continuous political harassment every hour.

Name:	btexpress -	Reply
Subject:	SHAZZAM
Date:	11/23/2014 12:14:21 PM

   Will OBAMACARE cover Boat US insurance for you?

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	SHASCAM
Date:	11/23/2014 10:59:01 PM

Just called up Oboatacare.

They have a great plan I'm excited about.

The monthly payments are great for my $5,000 boat, and only double each year.

There is some small print about the $6000 deductible I don't quite understand yet though.

I am so happy; a super guy from MIT much smarter than myself convinced me everything will be ok.

(Receptionist)

Hello, Welcome to ObamaFlowers, My name is Trina. How can I help

you?

(Customer) Hello, I received an email from Professional Flowers

stating that my flower order has been canceled and I should go to your exchange

to reorder it. I tried your website, but it seems like it is not working. So I

am calling the 800 number.

(Receptionist) Yes, I am sorry about the

website. It should be fixed by the end of November. But I can help

you.

(Customer) Thanks, I ordered a "Spring Bouquet" for our anniversary,

and wanted it delivered to my wife's work..

(Receptionist Interrupting)

Sir, "Spring Bouquets" do not meet our minimum standards, I will be happy to

provide you with Red Roses.

(Customer) But I have always ordered "Spring

Bouquets"..  Roses are too expensive for me and besides, my wife likes the

Spring Bouquet.

(Receptionist) Roses are better, sir, I am sure your wife

will love them.

(Customer) Well, how much are they?

(Receptionist)

It depends sir, do you want our Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum

package.

(Customer) What's the difference?

(Receptionist) 6, 12,18

or 24 Red Roses.

(Customer) The Silver package may be okay, how much is

it?

(Receptionist) It depends sir, what is your monthly

income?

(Customer) What does that have to do with

anything?

(Receptionist) I need that to determine your government flower

subsidy, then I can determine how much you’re out of pocket cost will be. But if

your income is below our minimums for a subsidy, then I can refer you to our

FlowerAid department.

(Customer) FlowerAid?

(Receptionist) Yes,

Flowers are a Right, everyone has a right to flowers.  So, if you can't

afford them, then the government will supply them free of

charge.

(Customer) Who said they were a Right?

(Receptionist)

Congress passed it, the President signed it and the Supreme Court found it

Constitutional..

(Customer) Whoa.....I don't remember seeing anything in

the Constitution regarding Flowers as a Right.

(Receptionist) It is not

really a Right in the Constitution, but ObamaFlowers is Constitutional because

the Supreme Court Ruled it a "Tax".  Taxes are Constitutional. But we feel

it is a Right.

(Customer) I don't believe this....

(Receptionist)

It's the law of the land sir. Now, we anticipated most people would go for the

Silver Package, so what is your monthly income sir?

(Customer) Forget it,

I think I will forego the flowers this year...

(Receptionist) In that

case sir, I will still need your monthly income.

(Customer)

Why?

(Receptionist) To determine what your 'non-participation' cost would

be.

(Customer) WHAT???? You can't charge me for NOT buying

flowers!!!

(Receptionist) It's the law of the land, sir, approved by the

Supreme Court.  It's $9.50 or 1% of your monthly

income.....

(Customer)interrupting) This is ridiculous, I'll pay the

$9.50..

(Receptionist) Sir, it is the $9.50 or 1% of your monthly income,

whichever is greater.

(Customer) ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? What a

rip-off!!

(Receptionist) Actually sir, it is a good deal. Next year it

will be 2%.

(Customer) Look, I'm going to call my Congress member to find

out what's going on here. This is ridiculous. I'm not going to pay

it.

(Receptionist) Sorry to hear that sir, that's why I had the NSA track

this call and obtain the make and model of the cell phone you are

using.

(Customer) Why does the NSA need to know what kind of CELL PHONE I

AM USING????

(Receptionist) So they get your GPS coordinates

sir

(Door Bell rings followed immediately by a loud knock

on the door)

(Receptionist) That would be the IRS sir. Thanks for calling

ObamaFlowers, have a nice day...and God Bless America

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	Back to work, Oboatacare check is delayed
Date:	11/25/2014 6:39:20 PM (updated 11/25/2014 6:42:23 PM)

Cleaning out a real mess of oil leaves and dirt.

Will degrease the boat tomorrow.

Have materials coming in to revive the gel coat.

Intend to use 3M hookit 6" abraisives 400 600 800 1000 wet sanding with an air DA sander.

Then to a quick cut compound and wool pad on 7" rotary polisher.

Maybe straight to wax with 10" DA waxer, maybe polish compound, maybe sealer, maybe duzall.

Any geniuses out there?

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	Back to work, Oboatacare check is delayed
Date:	11/25/2014 8:03:12 PM

Yup, I am a genius - my helpful hints of the day:

Keep the beer bottles upright when you open them.

If you go through Ferguson; just remember - the fastest reload is another firearm.

Never p!$$ off someone who can kill you from a different zip code.

You are welcome.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	Back to work, Oboatacare check is delayed
Date:	11/27/2014 11:18:22 AM

Winterized boat.  Found an upholstery guy with a mindset somewhat like mine.

Waiting on order for abrasives for gelcoat.

Happy T-Giving!

Name:	btexpress -	Reply
Subject:	Back to work, Oboatacare check is delayed
Date:	11/28/2014 9:51:46 AM

   What kind of "set" ?

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	Back to work, Oboatacare check is delayed
Date:	11/29/2014 8:39:40 PM

Mined set - it means that the repair will be made with blue tarps and duct tape.  After about 30 minutes in the sun, it will look like a claymore went off in the boat.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	Back to work, Oboatacare check is delayed
Date:	1/20/2015 3:55:55 PM

Well after new wheels and tires, its off to the upholstery guy for nice new seats.

Will try and do exterior gelcoat after upholstery is done.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	Back to work, Oboatacare check is delayed
Date:	1/24/2015 9:47:47 PM

You got shiny dubs on that trailer now?

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	Back to work, Oboatacare check is delayed
Date:	1/26/2015 4:50:38 PM

Pimpin' n rollin'.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Back to work, Oboatacare check is delayed
Date:	1/26/2015 6:22:58 PM

Hey Shortbus, with the price of gas why don't you trade in that toy bus for a real man's bus?

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	Back to work, Oboatacare check is delayed
Date:	3/20/2015 3:25:10 PM

My toy bus works just fine, and is the perfect size to haul Democratic intellect.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	Finished work, waiting on Oboatacare check
Date:	4/16/2015 7:16:43 AM

Well she is practically finished and up for sale.   

What a long strange trip it has been.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	Finished work, waiting on Oboatacare check
Date:	7/8/2015 10:51:07 PM

Oboatacare came through. 

Nice guy bought the boat.  All was well we thought.

This spring, the challenged individuals at Yact Side working on the vinyl seats were surprised to find out that water runs downhill.

Most boats on a trailer with bows low will collect rainwater.

They were unpleasantly reminded of this when I stopped by during the work to find my starter underwater.

They said they were not responsible.  I agreed.  But the question was - who is paying for the starter?

Upon picking up the boat, the starter was once again under water and the new carpet smelled of urine.

Today I got a call that the boat had stranded its new owner and family on Lake Martin.

I showed up and diagnosed the problem................starter.  It was a new starter.

Thanks Garys.